31 - Exactly As Planned

Standing behind his set on a raised podium, a hand on one ear of his headset, the DJ played songs through the many speakers in the outdoor hall. One could tell he was proud of his mix, from the way he enthusiastically bopped his head to the music. The dancefloor below was scanty, but the few dancing along were having a good time, the beat guiding their twirling and twisting bodies. Those who weren't dancing loitered in groups of twos and threes, keeping busy with gossip, pictures, and the punch at the buffet table.

The party was boring. Cecily bit her nails, which she had newly gotten done only a day ago, damaging the fragile acrylic. She'd rented out the most exclusive club in the city, had paid bloggers to advertise the event, and had ordered the guards to allow free entry at the gates. So why had nearly no one shown up? She was feeling restless and her feet wouldn't stop taping. Perhaps it was the nerves from the many hours of planning, or the two glasses of strong wine she'd dran